South Australian passengers could be affected by the financial troubles being experienced by Sydney-based company Classic International Cruises Pty Ltd (CIC Australia).

The company’s ship Athena was due to set sail for Australia on 12 November for the summer cruise season, but is currently being held by authorities due to a financial dispute.

The company was placed in voluntary administration yesterday.

The company had been taking bookings for the Athena for the 2012-13 season from Adelaide, including five cruises to and from Adelaide that took in round-trips to Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln, Robe, Tasmania and Victoria.

Commissioner for Consumer Affairs, Paul White, says passengers should contact the administrator to register their details, as well as their travel agent who will be regularly updated by the administrator on alternative arrangements.

“Administrators are trying to source another vessel to carry out the cruises in the coming months, however nothing has been finalised as yet.

“We will continue to closely monitor the situation and can advise passengers about remedies in the event a suitable replacement ship is not found in the near future.

“In the event that the cruises are cancelled, we expect that a number of remedies will be available, including possible credit card chargebacks, as well as through travel insurance if passengers took out a policy covering cancellation.”

Passengers who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent for information, and also register their details with the administrator Lawler Partners on 02 8346 6000 or email CICAustralia@LawlerPartners.com.au